newslink
ncca
July 2014
The official journal of the National Carpet Cleaners Association
Features:
The Cragside Carpet Spot & Stain Techniques The Carpet Cleaners Carnival
PhotographŠGrosgrain Straw by Tintawn
Contents
Published monthly by:
03 From the Editor 04 Spot and stain techniques 06 Turkoman rugs (part six) 08 Is it time to diversify? 10 A guide to customer complaints (part six) 13 NCCA Carpet Cleaners Carnival 2014 eight-page pull-out-and-keep guide (includes full seminar and exhibitor info) 21 NCCA hard floor cleaning and maintenance course coming soon 22 A sticky subject 24 Pests I have encountered in the course of my work 26 Underfoot and overlooked, cleaning the Cragside carpet
The National Carpet Cleaners Association, 62c London Road, Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 5DH. Tel: 0116 271 9550 E-mail: admin@ncca.co.uk Website: www.ncca.co.uk
Editor Nicky Law Editor in Chief Keith Robertson Design Editor Nikki Law CEO/Technical Director Paul Pearce Vice President/Admin Director Nigel Lay Company Secretary/2nd Vice President/Training Director Glyn Charnock Membership Director Martin Johns
28 Silvey fuel cards
Marketing Director Keith Robertson
Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or it’s officers or members. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the statements within this publication, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, or omissions, or matters arising from any clerical or printing errors, and whilst every care is taken of manuscripts and photographs submitted to us, we can accept no responsibility for any loss or damage.
Corporate Director Allan Simmons
ŠCarpet Cleaners Association Ltd 1994 (Trading as the National Carpet Cleaners Association). No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Carpet Cleaners Association Ltd.
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Events Director Billy Russell Co-opted Franchise Director Denise Pitt www.facebook.com/NCCAFloorCare www.twitter.com/NCCA_floorcare_
The carpet cleaning event of the year - everyone welcome (FREE for members) - book your place now!
T
here's now just under two months to go until the next annual Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC). Taking place on September 20th, at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, the Carnival is open to everyone within the industry, together with their friends, partners and children. The event includes an exhibition along with seminars and various activities to run throughout the day. It is an excellent place to network with likeminded people and provides a great opportunity to keep up-to-date with industry developments and learn something new. The exhibition will be populated by top industry manufacturers, suppliers and advisors from within and outside the Association... and we've got some great companies lined up to exhibit this year (see centre pages pull-out-and-keep guide for more information on exhibitors). This year we are also holding a number of seminars, hosted by industry experts (ALL FREE FOR ATTENDEES). The topics arranged so far include: The Use of Bleaches in Carpet Cleaning (including demonstrations of oxidising and reducing bleaches), Marketing, Stone Floor Cleaning & Maintenance, General Equipment Maintenance and Carpet Repair. Remember, seminars of this quality would often cost you money to attend at many other industry events, so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn something new (see centre pages pull-out-andkeep guide for more information on seminars). However, the Carpet Cleaners Carnival is not just 'all about business', it's also a great day out and there will be plenty for family and friends to do whilst you are browsing the cleaning equipment and/or attending the seminars. Situated within the exhibition hall there will be women's interest stalls (great places to buy gifts), together with various attractions and entertainment for the children. Attendees will also have the chance to take part in a 'FREE ENTRY' £100 PRIZE DRAW. All you need to do is keep hold of your voucher (included
in the March edition of Newslink along with the first two tokens) and then collect your further tokens from Nicky Law subsequent issues of Newslink and Newslink Editor place them on the voucher (the LAST two tokens for your voucher will be situated within next month’s centre page pull-out-and-keep guide). If you are not in possession of all the tokens provided so far, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0116 271 9550 and we will email/post them to you. Visitors and their families will also be able to enjoy the many features within Wicksteed's acres of beautiful parkland. Wicksteed Park is the ideal setting for a fun family day out and boasts many attractions including a fairground and large playground (see: www.wicksteedpark.co.uk for more information). The NCCA have negotiated discounted rates on wristbands for the fairground and feature rides and these are available for ALL attendees who register with us before the event. This year we will also be holding a barbecue on the Friday night. This is your chance to kick-back, chill-out and enjoy the company of like-minded people in a relaxed and informal atmosphere before 'getting down to business' the following day. There will be some beer on tap; all you need to do is bring your own food and anything else you want to drink NCCA Members (including their friends and family) will receive FREE entry to the Carnival plus FREE parking and discounted rates for entry to the fair and feature rides. For non-members there will be a £24 (inc. VAT) entry fee per group/vehicle. If you would like to attend, please contact the NCCA office on: admin@ncca.co.uk or 0116 271 9550 to register. It is important that you contact the NCCA office as soon as possible to receive your FREE PARKING VOUCHER and your DISCOUNT VOUCHERS FOR THE FAIR AND FEATURE RIDES! We look forward to seeing you there!
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Spot and stain techniques
Paul Pearce
N
ever read or listen to the hype about certain products and then purchase them expecting them to work no matter what. Practice and education is paramount in the use of the cleaning solutions you have in your vehicle. Talk to the people that sell you the product and learn the best way to use it, read technical articles that explain procedures, attend educational seminars and, whilst there, talk to others that use the products and learn from their mistakes and successes. We use various techniques and procedures to treat spots or stains and a lot of how we deal with it depends on the nature of the stain and the type of fabric, fibre or indeed construction of the item stained. For instance a stain may be wet or dry, compound (both wet and dry) or hardened. On some
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surfaces, you may not be able to use techniques such as scraping or tamping. A stain may be more successfully rinsed from a loosely woven fabric than from one that is tightly woven such as printed cotton, but a tightly woven fabric will withstand treatment such as tamping more successfully.
Some spots, such as those formed of dried mud, may be completely removed by brushing. More often brushing is only the first step and indeed would be followed up by vacuuming. It is a good idea to have a variety of brushes to use in spot and stain removal including a toothbrush, nail brush, paint brushes of various sizes (these are used for application more than anything else) and of ŠNCCA Library course several hand brushes, ranging from soft and absorbent to hard bristle. All have their uses but none should be used too harshly because of possible damage to the item being worked on. Rinsing is used to remove loosened staining and any residue from the stain removal agent. This is an important step in ŠNCCA Library the process as any cleaning solutions left in the fabric or carpet may cause additional staining or even damage the item. When rinsing a stain, you will need to control the flow of water carefully. For the really small soils, you may want to rinse with something as simple as an eyedropper and blot with kitchen
paper. If you are carrying out spot or stain removal in a small area then a hairdryer is a necessity. If the area is dried before you leave then, if there was to be a wick back, this would show it and you can rerinse. This reduces the possibility of a call back. Of course, if you leave soil-attracting residue in the item, such as cleaning solution or even the original soil, then this will not be seen until days later, with another call back. Cleaning solutions are, of course, important and you will certainly need a variety of products to cover most situations. There doesn't seem to be a 'one product does everything' solution. Of course some products will only be required now and again and you would be forgiven for not having these in your arsenal. However, buying a kit is not a bad idea if you want to be able to tackle any and every stain you encounter, but you must learn how to use all the products‌ and remember, NEVER practice on your customer's soft furnishings.
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Turkoman rugs (part six)
Peter Collins (Honorary Member)
Final in the series: Samarkand rugs amarkand rugs were first woven in East Turkestan (current-day western China) among the villages of Kashgar, Khotan and Yarkand - vital resupply points for caravans travelling the Silk Route. Typically, Samarkand rugs are large, long and relatively narrow in format. Their structure is quite soft and they are usually rendered in a glossy wool, occasionally embellished with richly brocaded silk and metal thread. At first glance, an antique Samarkand may be mistaken for a Chinese rug. This is because the patterns used are very similar to those used in Chinese rugs from the same periods. However, whereas Chinese rugs tend to be boldly coloured, the Samarkands are more subdued with simplistic and spacious designs. Their main field colour is usually a muted red, salmon, fawn, light brown, yellow or yellowish white. Distributed in the central field area are usually floral medallions, although sometimes Chinese devices, such as the dragon, fish, pheasant or flowers appear. These medallions are mostly round or polygonal. Occasionally there is a single large one in the centre with rectilinear floral forms around it. The borders of these rugs are often quite large and exhibit the various shapes and colours displayed in the central field of the rug, or there are decorative symbols of animal origin but floral form, bearing the mark of Persian treatment. Yellow and red predominate in the borders, giving the fibres a warm tone. In some Samarkand rugs, the field and its medallions have been abandoned for an all-over floral display. The colours on these rugs are more
S
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vivid, with bright reds, yellows and even blues. Samarkand rugs are also sometimes decorated with symbols 'borrowed' from carpets from other countries. This is because they were crafted along the major Silk Routes and traders going East and West would bring to the local markets items from along the entire route, exposing the Samarkand weavers and designers to many different and unique patterns from all over Asia and the Middle East. From the 1970s onwards, the Samarkand rugs produced have tended to veer slightly away from the traditional styles of their ancestors and, in addition to the classic regional designs, they have been reproduced (often on a large scale in big factories) with Caucasian motifs. Although these rugs have no real artistic value they have met with great success, simply because their overall attractiveness, moderate prices and general sturdiness appeal to many people. And that brings us to the end of our Turkoman travels... at least for the time being. I hope you have enjoyed reading the series as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Is it time to diversify?
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Keith Robertson
t is often recommended that we should diversify, because having a number of strands to our business is financially beneficial when other parts of the business are quieter than usual. However, if diversification is the order of the day, there is still the question of what area you should branch in to. If you have recently started your business, it may be that all your time has been devoted to carpet and upholstery cleaning and so it would be logical to examine just how far you can specialise in either, or both, of these before starting something completely new. There are four principal carpet-cleaning methods so, if up to now you have only made use of one system, perhaps you should be looking at the some of the others. If you are currently majoring on Spray Extraction, why not look carefully at the alternative systems and consider whether there are benefits in adding one or more alternative methods to your carpet cleaning repertoire. For example, have you noticed that a number of your customers have Seagrass or other natural fibres that you would normally not consider wet extracting? It could be that employing a Dry Compound system would allow you to take on the cleaning of these surfaces. If you then had the equipment to work with dry compounds, it is possible you would also be able to reassure those who are particularly concerned about the over wetting of their carpets - that you can offer an
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alternative system, particularly if they are willing to subscribe to ongoing maintenance on a regular basis. There are also some very expensive carpets that can react to the use of water and Dry Compound is the safest system to use on these. If you are considering pitching for large commercial jobs in hotels and business premises it is worth considering that, even though Spray Extraction may technically produce a cleaner carpet, it takes longer than some other cleaning methods and - in the case of some short piled carpets and carpet tiles - it often just doesn't produce the appearance that some Bonnet and Pad systems achieve. The time saved using a rotary or oscillating machine for that type of work allows you to pitch a cost that is likely to be more acceptable. If you have a standard speed rotary machine, the addition of a carpet cleaning brush would allow you to shampoo carpets. If you are selling your cleaning services to restaurants and licensed premises - where carpets tend to be left until they are extremely dirty - a combination of preshampooing followed by extraction is very effective. Once you are in a position to clean all types of domestic and commercial carpets you should check that you fully understand, and can offer, as many related add-on services as possible. Too many of us fail to maximize our selling of protectants, but this isn't the only add-on service that we can offer. It may be that you would prefer
to keep away from pesticides or fireproofing, but let's not forget that stain treatment can be a service in itself. Set a sensible figure as your minimum call-out charge and explain that it is for up to an hour including travel. Further time is charged incrementally. You might also decide that, as stain treatment is a specialty, your price for cleaning carpets excludes specific stain treatment and that this will be charged separately at ÂŁ15.00 per 15minutes (or whatever price suits you). Remember, you have had to invest in the stain kit and the training, so why shouldn't it earn you a little extra. If you are cleaning upholstery, do you clean mattresses? Hotels and care homes can be profitable because of the number of mattresses you can clean in a visit, but you could also offer it as a purchase incentive as an alternative to a free room of carpet cleaning. What about curtain cleaning? You could offer a freshen-up service where you vacuum and chemical sponge the curtains against the alternative of full dry cleaning. Some dry cleaning companies are delighted to find a partner who is willing to take down and re-hang curtains. Pitch for high-end business and there is scope to double the normal dry cleaners charge and make the work worthwhile. You may be surprised that I have not mentioned anything about cleaning resilient floors, wood, tile and grout or natural stone. There is a simple reason for this and that is, in my opinion, that it is foolhardy to consider venturing into areas you know nothing about until you have learned everything about your primary business. KISS (or Keep it Simple Stupid) was a sales acronym
I was taught some forty five years ago and it as true now as it was then. Think very seriously before you dip your toes into a new pool of business. Too many people are jumping headfirst into deep water that is quite happy to drown them. If you are building a multiple-operator business, the time will come when you may very well want to add new skills, but don't be stupid and try to do too much too quickly. A two-day course may teach you the fundamentals of hard floor care, or a 'hands on' stone course may teach you how make a floor shine, but there is much more to learn and too many people only see the 'gold nuggets' and not the back braking digging or mining that is involved. Worse still is the attitude that it “can't be difficult, so why should I spend hard earned money on a course?� The handouts or manuals from a well-run course will contain a wealth of information but, even so, experience is vital. If you are determined to follow a new direction, for goodness sake practice before you attempt to offer a new service to the public. Practice in your workshop or garage; do work in your own home or for relatives and friends until you gain some experience. Don't settle at being 'Jack of all trades and master of none'. If you are an owner/operator, first ensure your initial diversification is to maximize your earning potential from carpets and fabrics and then, and only then, decide which other associated work would be logical and appropriate for you to do. It might be that you will be better off sticking to carpet and upholstery cleaning rather than diluting your time and resources by taking on a number of other activities.
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A guide to customer complaints (part six) Lewis Scroby (NCCA Standards and Fair Trading)
NCCA Standards and Fair Trading Officer, Lewis Scroby, continues his series on dealing with customer complaints. This month's article focuses on company policies, attitude and presentation.
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t is vital for any successful company to track their business. Information can be quickly attained and simply logged for future reference. It is recommended to keep a record of the following: ŸExposure - Where did your customers find your
details? This will assist in determining which advertising sources are providing the most referrals. ŸInfluence - What was it about the
company/advertisement that made the customer call? This will provide feedback on your promotional material and which advertising methods or offers/incentives are working. ŸConversion - What convinced the customer to
employ your company? We know it is easier to obtain a booking after the initial introduction to a customer. This will help keep a record of the specific reasons the customer felt comfortable taking you on. Once you are aware of the reasons why customers consider and employ your company, you can start to look at the reasons why you may NOT be considered or booked again. Repeat
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bookings are staple of most carpet cleaning companies business and keeping customers satisfied will ensure they have you in mind when future work needs to be done. From my discussions with members, they seem to get a good idea about their customers and whether they would be likely to book again in the future. There will obviously be a lot of customers that never consider booking again mostly this will be down to not considering regular cleaning a priority or not wanting to pay for the service too often. However, there may be some that have potentially been put off. Some of the reasons customers will avoid using you again are the same concerns that add weight to complaints. A customer may appear satisfied and pay for the service, but at the same time have it in mind that they won't be employing you in future. It may not be down to anything specific that you have done wrong, but there are several general things you can look at to ensure your professionalism is fully demonstrated. ŸCommunication - Talk to your client, ensure
they are aware of how you plan to carry out the work and give them an opportunity to ask you any questions. ŸAttitude - Remember your manners and
courtesy. Remain friendly and calm throughout, even if an issue arises.
Diary Dates 2014 NCCA COURSES 타Appearance - Ensure you present yourself well and have clean and appropriate attire. 타Equipment/vehicle repair - Clean and fully working equipment will give the customer more confidence in your professionalism. 타Smoking - Avoid smoking on-site or around customers, even if they do it themselves. 타Organisation/timekeeping - Survey and schedule work properly to avoid running out of time, have the job information to hand, ensure you arrive when you agreed to (or at least inform the customer if you may be late).
The negative aspects of all of the above have been factors (though not often the cause) of customer complaints received by the NCCA. They are also reasons a customer can lose faith in your service. It is understood that a dissatisfied customer will tell more people about their experience than a satisfied one. It may be that the cleaning work was to the highest standards, but the customer was put off by something you may feel is completely irrelevant. Although it can be difficult to identify these minor areas to improve upon, especially when customers will rarely point them out, it is important to review things outside of your cleaning services to ensure complete customer satisfaction. This should provide more of the repeat bookings and recommendations vital to every successful company. Next month the series continues with unavoidable complaints and NCCA procedure.
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning 12th - 13th September 21st - 22nd November Hard Floor Cleaning 28th - 29th August Leather Identification & Cleaning 11th September Advanced Spot & Stain Removal 10th October All above courses held at NSPCC Training Centre, Leicester unless otherwise stated. Visit: www.ncca.co.uk for booking forms and further details.
CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 20th September at Wicksteed Park, Kettering, Northamptonshire
IICRC COURSES (HERTFORDSHIRE) Carpet Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 16th - 17th September 25th - 26th November Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Paul Pearce 23rd - 24th September 2nd - 3rd December Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician with Paul Pearce 30th Sept - 1st Oct Held at Alltec Network, Royston, Hertfordshire. Tel: 01763 208222
IICRC COURSES (SURREY) Carpet Cleaning Technician with Adam Jankowski 15th - 16th October Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician with Adam Jankowski 28th -29th October Held at National Flood School, Surrey. Tel: 01252 821185 Visit: www.iicrc.org for further details on all IICRC Training Courses.
Writing for Newslink NCCA Member Benefits Adelante Merchant Services: 01628 820500 BeValued - Home Options (specialist claims management - insurance work): Call Shaun Mulvey on 01323 418432 Control Account PLC: 01527 882901
Contributions for Newslink are always welcome. So... why not put 'pen to paper' and add 'author of published article' to your skillset. Don't worry if you feel your writing skills are not up to the job, as all articles undergo an editing process before they are included. If you feel you'd like to send something in, just give Nikki in the office a ring on 0116 271 9550 or email: nicky@ncca.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.
Hibu (previously Yell) - ask for Corporate Advertising Department: 0808 100 7890
New NCCA Members
HMCA (free legal and counselling helpline): 0117 934 2600
I Need My Carpets Cleaned London
HMCA (medical health cover): 01423 866985
Excell FM Services Ltd Loughton, Essex
Payatrader: 01296 660177
ChemDry Blossom Rayleigh, Essex
SiteWizard (website creation): 08450 608860 Thompson Local - ask forCorporate Advertsing Department: 01252 390385
Clean4Shaw Kettering, Northamptonshire
GENERAL MANAGER REQUIRED An exciting new position is being created with a long established industry leader. A General Manager with a proven knowledge of textile cleaning and a passion for service quality is now required. Performance driven individual who can work with and manage an efficient team to deliver excellence in our field of operations. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate past successes and formulate future goals within a high end business. Experience of curtain cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning are vital to this role. Ability to motivate and manage staff to fulfil targets is essential. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in driving sales and commitment to quality service. ******** Please apply, including C.V. to: G.W.D. Selection,15 Bonser Road, Twickenham, TW1 4RQ.
NCCA Carpet Cleaners Carnival 2014 Wicksteed Park, Kettering, on 20th September Your pull-out-and-keep eight-page guide to CCC 2014
Fun da y out for all the family !
Come and join us at the Carnival There's now just under two months to go until the next annual Carpet Cleaners Carnival (CCC). Taking place on September 20th, at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, the Carnival is open to everyone within the industry, together with their friends, partners and children. So why not come along and join the fun! The event includes an exhibition featuring top industry manufacturers, suppliers and advisors from within and outside the Association and we already have some excellent companies signed up to exhibit this year (see overleaf for more information on exhibitors). This year we are also holding a number of seminars, hosted by industry experts (ALL FREE FOR ATTENDEES) to help you in your business. Seminars of this quality would often cost you money to attend at many other industry events, so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn something new (see overleaf for more information on seminars). Along with the exhibition and seminars, the Carnival will also feature entertainment and women's interest areas, providing attractions and activities for everyone in attendance. (For full information on this year’s event, please see the editor’s piece on page 3 of this month’s Newslink).
ŸOrganised by the NCCA ŸOpen to everyone ŸNetworking opportunities ŸSupplier exhibition ŸEquipment for sale ŸSeminars ŸFamily friendly format ŸOrganised activities ŸFun day out ŸExcellent venue ŸFREE attractions ŸFREE parking ŸCamping facilities onsite Wicksteed Park Barton Road, Kettering Northamptonshire NN15 6NJ
SEMINARS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014 Unlike previous years, this year we are holding a number of seminars to help you in your business. The topics arranged so far include: The Use of Bleaches in Carpet Cleaning (including demonstrations of oxidising and reducing bleaches), Marketing, Carpet Repair, Stone Floor Cleaning & Maintenance and General Equipment Maintenance. See full details on seminars below. (PLEASE NOTE: Information on any additional seminars organised will be included in next month’s Newslink, so keep an eye out for this).
SEMINARS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014: THE USE OF BLEACHES IN CARPET CLEANING PAUL PEARCE (Country House Carpet Care) Paul will be carrying out a series of stain removal techniques using various bleaching agents and their additives. This will be demonstrated on a variety of carpet surfaces, with a selection of stains, and on rug fringes (to demonstrate dye removal). He will be using heat and ultraviolet light, as well as oxidising and reducing bleaches. You will see what works and what can go wrong. You will learn, amongst other things, the pitfalls of being unprepared and when it is best to use an oxidiser or a reducer. MARKETING - ALLAN SIMMONS (GetBookedUp) A seminar full of practical ideas from someone who 'walks the walk' and uses these ideas in his own five-van carpet cleaning business. Whether you're a one man owner/operator, or a multi-van business with office staff, you'll get ideas you can implement immediately (and cheaply) that will start to make a massive difference to your business and, don't worry, you don't need to be a technical wizard to use these ideas. This seminar received some rave reviews at the TACCA event earlier in the year so, if you missed it, make sure you get to the CCC and see it there. The slides will be available to all those attending on the day, just to make sure you don't miss anything.
Pull-out-and-keep guide
CARPET REPAIR - JOHN BRYDEN (Bryden Enterprises Carpet Fresh) John is a Master Rug Cleaner with many years' experience assessing, cleaning and repairing damaged carpets/rugs and is also an experienced advisor in the rug cleaning industry. He teaches and lectures all over the world in carpet and rug restoration and also carries out research for all the leading international carpet manufactures. He will be talking to you about the problems he has encountered during his many years cleaning carpets - focussing on problems such as delamination and carpets that have been badly fitted - and what you can do to help your customer with these types of issues in order to offer an all-round better service. The seminar will include some practical demonstrations. STONE FLOOR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE AMIR PATWA (Chemspec Ltd) Amir Patwa, one of the world's best known authorities on stone care and maintenance, has supported the Carpet Cleaners Carnival from the outset. His company is the only official UK distributor for Klindex, the leading Italian manufacturer of professional stone restoration equipment. Amir will be talking to you about stone floor cleaning, maintenance and care. So, if you are thinking of extending the range of services you offer, and fancy introducing yourself to the world of stone flooring maintenance, then this is the seminar for you. GENERAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - CHRIS THOMAS (Eastby Services Ltd T/A Alltec Network) Chris has over twenty years' experience designing, building and maintaining portable carpet cleaning machines. He will be talking to you about how to keep your portable machinery in good condition and what you should do regularly to ensure it remains in good working order (so you can fulfil your cleaning contracts without worrying about equipment failure). He will cover topics such as: weekly and monthly maintenance, inspection of jets, valves, cables and brushes, when to have a service, and the pitfalls of the great British winter!
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014 As in previous years, the Carnival includes an exhibition (with demonstrations of the latest industry products) and we've got some great exhibitors lined up for you this year... EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014: ALLTEC NETWORK - The Home of Professional Carpet Cleaning Equipment & Supplies Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, Alltec Network manufacture their industry renowned Alltec portable carpet cleaning machines right there on site, each one built to order with a wide range of options available. They have experienced workshop technicians who can service and repair 'any make, any model' of portable, plus they have an expert team of specialised Truck Mount fitters and engineers ensuring minimal downtime on your machinery. In addition they offer free 'over the phone' diagnostics and advice, plus a unique 'out of hours' emergency advice service. They also manufacture their own comprehensive range of carpet cleaning solutions, including specialised stain removers, spotters and protectors plus a wide selection of the US Bridgepoint products. This year they have teamed up with some of the leading professionals in the industry, Nu-Life Stone Care and LTT Leather Care, to bring you their range of specialised products. To complement their machinery and solutions, Alltec also stock an extensive range of spares and accessories; from jets to sprayers, hand tools to safety equipment, ramps, hoses, brushes, buckets and much more! It's your one-stop-shop for all your carpet, upholstery and hard floor cleaning needs! Tel: 01763 208222 E: info@alltec.co.uk Web: www.alltec.co.uk ASSET FINANCE SOLUTIONS Asset Finance Solutions was formed in 2005 and has quickly grown to be one of the UK's leading independent funding providers. They offer finance solutions and can assist businesses in the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry by arranging specific funding for cleaning equipment and vehicles. Tel: 01254 584404 E: enquiries@afsuk.com Web: www.assetfinancesolutions.com
CHEMSPEC EUROPE AND DRI-EAZ PRODUCTS Chemspec Europe are looking forward to exhibiting at the CCC 2014, loaded with literature and ready to show visitors a selection of their pioneering, problem solving products. Highly experienced technical staff are looking forward to seeing customers and shaking hands with old and new friends. Chemspec Europe and Dri-Eaz UK recently became part of the same group so there will also be a selection of Dri-Eaz equipment at the CCC, including carpet and hard floor driers and a new economy dehumidifier that's ideal for those carpet cleaners who are extra keen to impress their customers. Chemspec have been manufacturing carpet and upholstery cleaning chemicals since 1968. They love helping to solve industry challenges through product innovation and they are passionate about supporting customers and the trade associations to which they belong. Tel: 01274 597333 E: info@chemspec-europe.com Web: www.chemspec-europe.com CHEMSPEC LIMITED Chemspec Ltd - who have supported the Carpet Cleaners Carnival from the outset - are one of the world's best known authorities on stone care and maintenance and the only official UK distributor for Klindex, the leading Italian manufacturer of professional stone restoration equipment. At the CCC this year they will be showing various machines and consumables for restoration and maintenance of stone surfaces. Tel: 01784 259814 E: chemspecltd@hotmail.com CLEANERS WAREHOUSE LTD ‘Cleanerswarehouse.co.uk' is the popular online trade warehouse, stocking a wide range of cleaning products from market leaders that helps cleaners UK wide order their cleaning supplies at the touch of a button. Cleanerswarehouse.co.uk supplies cleaning equipment, chemicals and consumables to the cleaning industry. With brand names such as Dry Fusion, Research Products, Prochem, Citrus Resources, Nilco and Cleaners Warehouse own label brand, buyers won't go 'off their trollies' wasting valuable time and money visiting wholesalers; they Continued on next page
Your guide to CCC 2014
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014 Continued from previous page
can simply visit cleanerswarehouse.co.uk and in a few clicks restock and be ready for business. Customers can be assured that cleanerswarehouse.co.uk is a completely secure online shopping service. However, not only is it safe, it is speedy too. If a customer places an order before 3.00pm then they will receive their goods the next day. If the order was placed after 3.00pm, they will receive them only the day after. Cleaners Warehouse is offering an impressive 10% discount to any customer, who places an order for any Cleaners Warehouse products, if they present the promotional voucher available on the stand at the Carnival 2014. Tel: 01772 434333 E: sales@cleanerswarehouse.co.uk Web: www.cleanerswarehouse.co.uk
CRISP & BRITE View our full range of Kleenrite Machines plus a complete range of Chemspec cleaning supplies for the professional cleaning company at: www.crispandbrite.co.uk Tel: 01509 881137 E: info@crispandbrite.co.uk Website: www.crispandbrite.co.uk
DRY FUSION LTD The benefits of the Dry Fusion system are already well publicised with thousands of satisfied customers having had their carpets cleaned via the innovative process that has made its name by being cleaner, fresher, drier, faster and safer than many of its competitors. Following years of intensive research and development, the new enhanced Dry Fusion machine allows for better ease of operation and much improved safety. The innovative and patented rotary COLUMBUS CLEANING MACHINES LTD cleaning machine heats an Activator solution to The Wrennalls Group works exclusively with German provide an amazing cleaning and stain removal action. based floor cleaning machine manufacturer, Columbus The Dry Fusion process is pH neutral and does not rely Cleaning Machines. This new operation trades as on water flushing to clean. In addition, the 'Pure Columbus Cleaning Machines Ltd and operates as a Fusion' range of cleaning products for use with the division of the Wrennalls Group. Dry Fusion system is odourless, colourless, non toxic, Columbus is an integral part of the long established anti-static and more environmentally friendly. Staehle Group, a family run business with a turnover As with the original Dry Fusion carpet cleaning in excess of € 75 million. Columbus has based its system, and perhaps most importantly for the end success on designing and manufacturing a wide range user, the impressive drying time for carpets cleaned of automatic scrubbers, single disc machines, wet and with the new Dry Fusion system remains at only 30 dry vacuum cleaners and spray extraction machines minutes. for any environment. The Dry Fusion carpet cleaning system will be part With a comprehensively application-orientated of ongoing demonstrations at the Carpet Cleaners product range of over 60 machines, Columbus is Carnival. synonymous with efficient cleaning and has perfectly Tel: 01772 433711 E: sales@dryfusionuk.com adapted its innovation strengths to today's Web: www.dryfusion.com/store requirements. Columbus mains or battery operated GETBOOKEDUP - CLIENT DATABASE MARKETING automatic scrubbers score high marks for their SOLUTIONS compact design, versatility and excellent handling. GetBookedUp is software specifically designed by, and Latest examples of the market-oriented automatic for, the carpet, furnishing and hard floor care industry. scrubbers made in Germany are the extremely agile, It helps businesses of every size market better, quote hand-guided automatic scrubber RA 43/55 B/BM 40, clearer… and book more! with or without driving motor, the compact ride-on The developers of this product still run their own automatic scrubber ARA 66/80 BM 100 and the newly carpet cleaning company and, with over twenty five launched RA 66 BM 60 with its automatic spinyears in the industry, they know the challenges of on/spin-off system for brushes and pad holders. running a successful business. That's why they Tel: 01772 434333 developed this software… to make it systemised and E: sales@cleanerswarehouse.co.uk easier. Web: www.cleanerswarehouse.co.uk
Pull-out-and-keep guide
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014 They've grown and streamlined their own carpet cleaning business into a multi-van operation with admin staff by using the marketing tools built into the software. Other carpet cleaners could see what a difference it had made to the developers' carpet cleaning business (especially in terms of an increase in their return on advertising spend and reduced administration) and, after repeated requests from those cleaners, in 2006 a decision was made to further develop the software and make it available to others within the same industry. Now, with hundreds of users, there is an edition to suit every size of business, from owner/operators through to multi-van operations with admin office support staff. So, if you want to free up time by reducing and streamlining your administration, and want more money by marketing more effectively, this could be the solution for you. Tel: 01405 813665 E: allanjnr@getbookedup.com Web: www.getbookedup.com KIRSTY'S KIDS NCCA members John and Jan Bryden are at the Carnival again this year with their charity Kirsty's Kids. Kirsty’s Kids is a non-profit making charity aimed at helping sick and underprivileged children, where EVERY PENNY donated goes straight into projects which directly benefit the kids. The charity is currently working with underprivileged children to teach them the benefits of learning to create things themselves, using the materials around them, and how satisfying this can be. John has recently created his own loom and is using it to weave his own carpet utilising traditional weaving methods. This project has now become an integral part of his current work with Kirsty's Kids. At the Carnival this year John will be displaying his loom, so if you are interested in learning how to hand-knot your own rugs with your own handmade loom (and John's current work at Kirsty's Kids), pop along to their stand and have a chat. Web: www.kirstyskids.org PROCHEM EUROPE LTD - Celebrating 40 years (1974 – 2014) Founded in 1974, Prochem Europe Ltd is a leading manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products
for carpets, fabrics and floors. Products are manufactured at the Company's UK manufacturing site and are available from an extensive network of distributors. Cleaning Products - Prochem cleaning products have a worldwide reputation for outstanding performance in the professional, commercial and institutional cleaning sectors. Specialist products cover a whole range of requirements for carpets, fabrics, floors and surface cleaning technologies and maintenance. Formulations are developed in-house to meet strict performance, safety, quality and environmental criteria. Cleaning Equipment - The Prochem brand is synonymous with quality cleaning equipment. In particular, Prochem is industry renowned for professional carpet and fabric soil extraction machines, from compact spot cleaning extractors to the most powerful truck mounted extraction equipment. Industry recognised training courses for carpet, upholstery and floor cleaning and maintenance supplement the Prochem range. Tel: 0208 974 1515 E: sales@prochem.co.uk Web: www.prochem-uk.com SEBO UK Made in Germany, SEBO are the world's biggest selling professional upright vacuum cleaners. Examples include: ŸSEBO BS 36 & 46 Comfort: utilising the latest innovations making the machines easy to use and improving on their legendary reliability. ŸSEBO DART twin motor uprights: designed to be lightweight and highly manoeuvrable. ŸDART UHS Polisher: converts the Dart into an ultra high-speed polisher. ŸSEBO Professional D8 Cylinder: a high quality, powerful machine, with lots of new technology providing high performance and robustness in a very quiet way. ŸSEBO DUO carpet dry cleaning system: easy to use and ideal for maintaining carpets in peak condition. With changes to all dry vacuum cleaners (introduced by the European Union) you can be sure SEBO will have the experience, innovation and technology to produce effective, reliable machines to work in the Continued on next page
Your guide to CCC 2014
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014
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demanding world of professional cleaning. Tel: 01494 465533 E: commercial@sebo.co.uk Web: www.sebo.co.uk THE UTILITY WAREHOUSE If a second income stream interests you, one that can be dovetailed into your existing carpet cleaning business, then working with the Utility Warehouse could be the perfect fit. Carpet cleaners around the country are building up substantial businesses with this FTSE 200 company, and the beauty of the income is that it's passive. You get paid year after year for doing something once! It's like cleaning Mrs Jones carpets once, and being paid every year, without having to go back. Come and see us at the Carnival to find out more about this opportunity. Tel: 07801 547762 E: peterrowan@uwclub.net Web: www.greatopportunity.org.uk THE WOOLSAFE ORGANISATION The NCCA and The WoolSafe Organisation share many of the same goals, principally to improve the standard of professional carpet cleaning in their industry. They have been working together for their mutual benefit for decades with many of their
members belonging to both camps. It is therefore with great pleasure that The WoolSafe Organisation will once again be exhibiting at the NCCA Carnival, keen to show visiting carpet cleaners the exciting developments that have been keeping their busy team occupied over the past year. These are exciting times for WoolSafe with many new developments coming to fruition. The Carnival will provide an ideal platform for WoolSafe to answer any questions NCCA members might have about becoming an Approved Service Provider and participating in the Wool Owners Warranty initiative that launched this year. Come and see them for a chat at their stand, just inside the entrance, to find out more. The WoolSafe Organisation is a resource for information and advice about carpet and rug care and a range of carpet care services to carpet owners, carpet suppliers and the providers of carpet care products. WoolSafe provides: 타Networks of accredited carpet cleaning companies 타Networks of registered carpet inspectors 타Advice on how to care for carpets and rugs 타Testing and accreditation of wool carpet cleaning and maintenance products Tel: 01943 850817 E: office@woolsafe.org Web: www.woolsafe.org/uk
CRISP & BRITE PROFESSIONAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
Telephone: 01509 881137 Email: info@crispandbrite.co.uk Website: www.crispandbrite.co.uk
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THE UTILITY WAREHOUSE Tel: 07801 547762 Email: peterrowan@uwclub.net Web: www.greatopportunity.org.uk
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014
Your guide to CCC 2014
EXHIBITORS AT THE CARPET CLEANERS CARNIVAL 2014
CHEMSPEC LTD One of the world's best known authorities on stone care and maintenance. The only official UK distributor for Klindex (the leading Italian manufacturer of Professional Stone Restoration Equipment), Chemspec Ltd not only supply a full range of stone cleaning equipment and materials but also offer regular 'Free' training courses.
Tel: 01784 259814 Email: chemspecltd@hotmail.com
EXHIBITING AT THE CCC A market leader, Chemspec Europe supply a large range of specialist cleaning products to the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. Call in for a coffee with us at the CCC in September. We’ll be on stand number four. See you there!
Chemspec Europe, Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 E-mail: info@chemspec-europe.com Website: www.chemspec-europe.com
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If you would like to exhibit at this year’s event, please call NCCA Corporate Director, Allan Simmons, on: 01405 813665 or email: allanjnr@getbookedup.com Once you have booked your stand space you will have the opportunity to advertise your company (for FREE) within the next (August issue) pull-out-and-keep guide in Newslink. To take advantage of this excellent opportunity, email Nicky at: nicky@ncca.co.uk for more information.
NCCA hard floor cleaning and maintenance course coming soon!
M
ore carpet cleaners than ever are facing stiff competition when gaining work. Because of this, many have decided to improve their existing business and/or branch out and extend the range of services they offer. You may have noticed lately that a good number of homes you go to have hard floors. It's never been unusual to see hard flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms, but we now also see it in lounges, dining areas and bedrooms, with a variety of different surfaces. If you currently only clean soft furnishings there's no need to feel threatened by this. It could actually present a brilliant opportunity for your business to expand. Some of the equipment needed you probably already have; some of it you may not have used for a while and you're probably thinking you need to have a clear out. Well don't do that just yet… If you'd like an introduction to Hard Floor Cleaning, then why not come along to our next course on the 28th - 29th August. Our popular two-day school deals with resilient floors, engineered and natural wood, ceramic tiles and touches on natural stone. The training covers: ŸLearning to recognise different types of flooring and understanding what is achievable. ŸLearning how to strip and seal vinyl floor surfaces. ŸHow to maintain linoleum and marmoleum. ŸWhat really can be done to natural wood and engineered wood without sanding? Is Ÿ it worth getting into Tile and Grout cleaning? ŸA primer to entering the world of natural stone maintenance.
©Keith Robertson
ŸHealth and Safety, Risk Assessments and hazards
involved in using equipment. This is not a theory only course but includes practical hands-on training. Everything you learn will be documented in a 70+ page manual which is yours to take home. This manual includes complete 'How to' instructions and lists of procedures and equipment requirements. You will also receive a professional Certificate of Attendance. The course instructor is NCCA Director and hard flooring expert, Keith Robertson, a professional with over thirty five years' experience running a floor care company in Edinburgh. As well as being a committed affiliate of the National Carpet Cleaners Association, Keith is a member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science and writes regularly for the trade press. Places will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis so early booking is advisable. For further information, or to book your place, contact the NCCA office on: 0116 271 9550 or log on to our training page and download a booking form at: www.ncca.co.uk/training.php
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A sticky subject
Terry Guilford (The Ultimate Floor Sanding Co.)
I
t is Sunday the 13th of July, I am in Cambridge and it is raining. Remarkable? No, of course not, but yesterday's weather was just about as spectacular as it gets in this country, suffocating sticky heat followed by a thunderstorm of quite frightening power and intensity. So anyway, whilst the climatic conditions in the flatlands of the English countryside may not seem the most appropriate of subjects for Newslink, what those storms signify is actually very, very relevant. You see, in the build up to the percussion and fireworks, there was the most stifling humidity I have ever experienced (outside of more exotic locations of course) and it is this humidity that is significant to wood floor installers and wood floor sanders. I am pretty sure that by now most of you know that wood is hygroscopic (it likes water). Its little cells sit around for months on end, doing nothing, and really not getting to meet anyone outside of their own circle of friends (i.e. other wood cells). So you can imagine how excited they get when the 'circus' makes its annual trip to town. The 'new kid' in this case not being Billy Smart, but HUMIDITY (okay, I know that analogy is stretching
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Humidity can cause buckling in wood floors
it a bit but, bear with me, its Sunday morning‌ anyway it's only going to get worse!). So going back to Cedric Cell and Hubert Humidity (told you it would get worse), once the formal introductions are over, Cedric - being a very hospitable type - immediately offers the newly arrived Hubert board and lodging, at least until the winter time when the heating goes on and it's time for Hubert to make his annual migration. So, once happily ensconced in his snug little cell, Hubert does what every new young arrival does and invites his mates over to stay (okay I won't give them names, I do have some shame you know!). Now of course you can imagine that it's all getting a little bit cramped inside Cedric, so he puffs his little walls out to make room for all these new arrivals (to be
honest he is a little bit too accommodating in my opinion but, hey, it's his business). The real problem is that all Cedric's neighbours have been equally obliging and they are all doing the same thing… making themselves bigger. Okay, I am now coming out of 'Children's Author' mode and am going to spell it out; it is technically possible for a hardwood floor, in an average size sitting room, to expand by 25mm over its width if installed at factory moisture content, with no acclimatisation, at this time of year. Now add to this, moisture in the form of floor lacquer and it gets worse still. And if you think that just sanding old floors means you are safe, forget it! A great many hardwood floors are fitted by people who have absolutely no training or experience in hardwood floor fitting and so they do not create the necessary space needed around the perimeter of the floor. These floors can be down for years
A wood floor really shouldn’t look like this!
and are just about remaining flat even though they are touching the walls, door frames or other obstructions. However, you come along - at this time of year - and sand and lacquer the floor and you are lighting the blue touch paper. That floor is going one way… and that way is UP! The next couple of months spell trouble in our industry and, for that reason, when you quote for wood floor sanding be sure to look for the following warning signals: 1) Absolutely no gaps whatsoever between the staves. 2) Slight buckling appearance to the wood. 3) Springing in the floor. 4) Bulging near door frames or walls. 5) Floor pushing against pipework or other obstructions. 6) Lacquer cracking due to pressure. If you spot any of the above, you can investigate further by removing skirting boards or scotia and checking for expansion gaps; however it is very tricky to create expansion gaps if they are not there, especially around pipes and under door frames. Whatever you do from here on in the client WILL blame you if that floor rises. So, at this point, you have a few choices available to you - you may choose to walk away, you could advise they get someone to put the problem right or, if you are feeling brave, you could do it yourself. Good luck.
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Pests I have encountered in the course of my work Derek Bolton (Honorary Member) I was wondering what to write about this month and then it came to me in a flash! Maybe it was the phone call I received from the Newslink editor (asking me for my monthly article) which prompted the subject; not that I am suggesting that the editor is a pest… of course not… would I?
O
ver the years I have come across my fair share of pests that I have had to deal with. I have decided to split them into categories... and here they are: Humans: Some Clients - I did some work for an elderly lady last week (a long-standing customer) who is well into her eighties and rather sweet. So… why is she a pest? Well, every time she calls me to book in some work I instinctively know that the initial appointment is going to be cancelled; she does it every time without fail! In fact it usually reaches the third attempt before I finally get to do the work. Why do I do it? Well you do, don't you. She's such a lovely lady and every time I visit her home to do a job I am there for ages (nattering); it's more like a social visit than work really. Children - Especially those who pester you whilst you are trying to work, with endless questions such as “What are you doing that for?” “What are you going to do next?” and not forgetting that oft repeated question that can drive you mad…. “WHY?” Children hanging around whilst you are
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cleaning can also be dangerous because you can't keep your eyes on them all the time; to avoid any disasters I politely ask the client if they will take them out of the area for me and explain that - as I will be using water and electricity - they could easily be harmed by touching something they shouldn't. Infestations of insects and other living things: Moths - We have all come across, and have had to deal with, moth damage from time to time. A thorough inspection (looking for the little white eggs that have the appearance of small 'grains of rice' around the damaged areas) will determine whether the infestation is ongoing. It is paramount that any discovery of infestation is qualified with the client and that remedial procedures are fully explained.
Maggots - Yes, you did read that right… maggots! I remember, many years ago now, arriving at a client's home to clean a three piece suite. On inspection, I discovered an infestation of maggots under the cushions… along with remnants of the client's various meals and other such revolting things. I did the job, and hated every minute of it, but it was in the early days of running my business and 'work was work' so I wasn't about to turn it down. OK, it cleaned up well, but that night when I got home I had tremendous itching around my ankles. It turned out that they had fleas in their carpet too… yes, I got a call to do the carpet the following week! My price suddenly went up, but happily they accepted it. Mice (and not pets either!) - This was, again, early on in my career and involved another three piece suite - one of the old style Dralon covered sort that everyone had in those days, although this one was a bit different in that it had a family of mice living in it. Yes, that’s right... mice! When I pointed this out to the customer they didn't seem at all bothered about it (and remember that these weren't pets!). So I cleaned it, received payment, and left. At least the mice had somewhere clean to live. Household pets: Cats - now these creatures are not my favourite animal that's for sure. It hasn't helped that on a couple of occasions I have been stalked by Siamese cats
hunting in pairs. This particular breed of cat is fearless and once almost caused me to have a heart attack by leaping from a kitchen cupboard onto my shoulders whilst I was cleaning a kitchen carpet (remember Ronnie and Reggie Paul?). As
soon as an extraction machine is switched on though, most cats will run a mile… although NOT the Siamese. Dogs - I am more at ease with dogs than I am with cats, providing the client puts them somewhere out of the way. I remember being in a flat on my own, cleaning yet another three piece suite, and my only company was a delightful Beagle puppy. This puppy, lovely as he was, took great delight in pinching my upholstery brushes at every opportunity and running off around the room with them. I think I was his primary source of amusement that morning. These are just a few of my experiences over the years, there are many, many more. I am sure that you will be able to relate to some, if not all, of them. Just remember… you are not alone!
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Underfoot and overlooked, cleaning the Cragside carpet Part two - Pre-clean testing, methods and equipment In February this year, the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio in Norfolk collected a 19th Century Templetons chenille dining room carpet (from Cragside House in Northumberland) for conservation. The carpet first needed to be cleaned in order to avoid additional damage and, following our successful tour of the Conservation Studio last year, NCCA Director Glyn Charnock was personally asked if he could undertake the cleaning work to be done. Last month we featured the first in a series of articles on Glyn's time spent cleaning this delicate and historic carpet. This month he continues the series with pre-clean testing, methods and equipment. When Ksynia Marko, the Head Conservator for the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio, first approached me about whether I could help them clean the dining room carpet from Cragside House in Northumberland, I didn't really know where to start. This carpet had a considerable amount of damage including pile loss due to both general wear and 'inherent vice' (degradation of the wool face fibres caused by the iron mordant used to fix dyes when the carpet was made). In the worn areas there were broken cotton catcher warps significantly weakening the carpets structure, wool warp and weft damage and most worryingly, from a cleaning perspective, exposed areas of fragile jute stuffer yarns which could potentially swell or
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Glyn Charnock
even crumble and disintegrate when wet, causing extensive further damage. After my research into how the Ardabil Carpet (in the V&A Museum) was cleaned failed to inspire me, I agreed initially to spend a day exchanging knowledge and ideas with Ksynia and her fellow conservators to see if we could work out how to safely clean this very fragile carpet, using my knowledge of modern carpet cleaning systems and the conservators knowledge of the care of such fragile textiles. Having already seen the modern purpose-built Textile Studio and the conditions the conservators now work in, it was obvious how much things had moved on for them since cleaning the Ardabil carpet, but they still had little idea of what equipment and processes are available to us as professional carpet cleaners. I managed to 'borrow' an old piece of wool Axminster carpet, which had been laid in my Dad's garage for twenty years, to perform our tests on. This was as close as we could hope to get - in terms of fibre type, construction and level of soiling - to the Cragside carpet, and it proved invaluable in assessing the processes and products we were to use. We began our tests looking for ways to improve dry soil removal from the carpet prior to wet cleaning. All of our mechanical methods for beating rugs would have been far too aggressive for the Cragside carpet, but the conservators' usual method of tamping the back of the carpet by
hand using rubber paddles would have been This is a bit more thorough than our usual vacuum incredibly labour intensive and time consuming. cleaning methods which can generally be summed We tried my first suggestion as to how we could up as 'vacuum in two directions, spend longer on proceed, and this proved as effective as hand the traffic areas and don't forget to do the edges tamping, but was less aggressive for the carpet. with a crevice tool'. This was my first real insight Ksynia was delighted into the level of care and Cleaning tests we had solved the first attention to detail the problem before conservators take. It also lunchtime! highlighted that they We discussed vacuum document absolutely cleaning next, and the everything they do in conservators have a very minute detail for future well documented and reference. They are effective method of working to preserve vacuum cleaning, items for the distant designed to produce the future and keeping best possible results accurate records of what with the minimum loss has been done is vital for of pile fibre. They test possible future the carpet by vacuuming preservation. Everything small measured sections the conservators do is for timed periods at expected to preserve the different levels of item for the next fifty suction, collecting the years, so I started keeping soil removed and notes about everything, Tamping tests analysing both the ready for producing the Photographs ŠGlyn Charnock amount of soil and its report I knew I would composition, to determine what level of suction need to write if we went ahead with the clean. should be applied, using what tools, and for how We then looked at cleaning methods. Given the long. The carpet is then gridded out and delicate state of the carpet, I ruled out low vacuumed one section at a time using the moisture methods - such as encapsulation and 'formula' generated. This had already been done rotary brush or bonnet cleaning - straight away, as for the Cragside carpet before it was brought the agitation required for these methods to work down to the Studio, so a plan for vacuum cleaning effectively was simply too much. Dry compound Continued on next page was already in place.
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cleaning was also discounted because the chemical composition of the cleaning compounds I use wasn't clear and the level of vacuum cleaning required to remove the product following application would have been too aggressive for the carpet. This left wet extraction as the only option, so the challenge was how to wet clean a carpet which was so prone to potential water damage. Looking at all the various wet extraction methods and extraction tools I use, it seemed fairly obvious that those used for cleaning upholstery would be far more suited to the Cragside carpet than those for carpets. I use a wide variety of brushes with different bristles, from really stiff nylon to downy soft sable. I also regularly clean through netting to protect damaged fabrics. The level of suction applied by my low moisture hand tool can be varied to suit different fabrics, and the amount of rinse water applied is infinitely variable through the machine pump pressure and a flow control valve in the solution line close to the tool. I have a 50cm square frame with polypropylene netting stretched over it, which I use for protecting delicate areas when cleaning rugs, and I demonstrated to the conservators how I proposed to wet clean the Cragside carpet using a highpowered portable extraction machine (kept in the van outside to ensure indoor air quality was maintained), a low moisture upholstery tool, my netted grid and hand brushes for agitation. The effectiveness of the clean was obvious on my Dad’s old carpet, and the conservators were very impressed with how gentle the clean could be and
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how quickly the carpet dried. I think their favourite among all the pieces of equipment I demonstrated was my little downdraft air mover. So, we had a dry soil removal system, a vacuuming protocol to follow, and a wet cleaning system all lined up. All I needed to do now was choose which of my products would make the clean most effective. How wrong could I be? Next month: The carpet finally arrives and the fun really begins.
Looking for a fuel card supplier who is more competitive? Silvey… always goes the Extra Mile! The Silvey group as a whole physically delivers in excess of 60 million litres of fuel into the Keyfuels and UK Fuels network each year. Offering 65% of the UK fuel network at one fixed weekly price they provide a consistantly effective solution, not only on coverage, but also cost. For network coverage please go to this link: http://map.interface-test.com/silvey.htm The Silvey fuel card solution is simple ŸDiscounted fixed price per week. ŸNo contracts. ŸNo minimum spend. ŸNo minimum draw. ŸFree fuel cards. ŸUp to 21 Days credit ŸA weekly usage statement. ŸReclaim 100% of your business fuel VAT.
For more information you can call Ben on 01454 333022, who would be delighted to speak with you, or email: Ben.Hibbs@Silvey.co.uk
Items for sale BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, long-established, reputable working carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings cleaning company. Essex based. Owner Operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only. Mobile HWE and dry cleaning system. Domestic and commercial clients. Genuine interested parties only please to call 07903 497298 and leave details. CLEANING AND RESTORATION MACHINERY - EQUIPMENT - ACCESSORIES Dri-Eaz Dehumidifier 1200 - as new (boxed) £450.00. DriEaz Sahara Pro TurboDryer - new (boxed) £150.00. Dri-Eaz Dri X Airchanger Dehumidifier - new (boxed). Normal Price £1900.00. Our Price £500.00. Plus much more. For a complete list please telephone: 07580 182 325 or email: restorationdirect@btinternet.com VACANCY & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Experienced full time Carpet and Floor Care Technician required. Own van and equipment an advantage but not essential. Good business incentive package (profit share or buy in). Area coverage M4 corridor from Bristol to London. Apply by email to glynn.norcutt@gnccontractservices.com (with full CV, etc.) or telephone: 01672 871882 or mobile: 07831 172743. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Mobile container/bin (red) - comes with lid. Heavy duty container on wheels. L55” x W32” x H31”, ideal hose and other carpet clng equipment storage. List price: £199 selling for £75. Whole room drier/air mover. List price: £534 - selling for £99 (no VAT). Contact Chris on: 02380 898 212 or 07970 040729 or email:mncrostance@googlemail.com BUSINESS FOR SALE Small long-established reputable NCCA registered working business, specialising carpet, upholstery and hard floor cleaning. Northumberland based owner/operator retiring. To be sold as a complete package only. Sign written 55 plate Iveco Daily van with fitted Prochem Blazer Truck Mount. High pressure and extraction hose reels complete with hoses, including wands, hard floor surface spinner 3 turbo dryers fans, 4 dehumidifiers, MMs Plus, Sebo vac and duo, Rotary scrubber, plus lots of other equipment and chemicals. Plus a fully SEO website. Genuine interested parties only please. Call 01670 787185. TRUCKMOUNT Banclene truckmount complete with base unit, stainless steel 80 gallon recovery tank, 100 gallon solution tank, 150 feet of vaccuum/solution hoses, floor, stair and various upholstery hand tools, inline heater and misc parts etc. The van has been sold separately. Selling due to retirement and will consider the highest offer. Call Derek at Aquamaster on 01845 537640 - mobile 07976 218304 or email: derek@aquamaster-yorkshire.co.uk
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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Whole room downdraft dryer from Power Flite. Versatile air mover - multiple positions. Hardly used. Was: £325. Accept: £150. Victor Sprite 12" Rotory Machine. Used once. Was £855 - Accept £450. Collect from Coventry. Tel 02476 620444. OFFICE PRINTER/COPIER Duplo DP-2211 Single colour A3 or A4 duplicator. Full working order, any fair trial. Ideal for low cost Flyers. Some consumables. PC Interface, prints direct from P.C. or printed copy - £250.00 o.n.o. For further Information Contact gary@amazingcleaning.co.uk or call 0116 2672720. Based in Leicester. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Prochem 250 ft vacuum hoses for truck mount - £150.00. Chemspec hose reel for truck mount plastic - £200. Prochem sadle tank for truckmount 227 litre/60 gallons £250.00. Contact aquadriinfo@btconnect.com for further information or contact Andy on: 07970 544806. BUSINESS FOR SALE Small, well established carpet, hard floor and upholstery cleaning business (London and Kent borders). Package includes: 57 plate Vauxhall Vivaro LWB Van with 53k miles on the clock, Prochem Blazer GT Truck Mount machine with only 270hrs on the clock, established interactive website (which had SEO programme last year), chemicals, turbo drier, 250 feet of solution and suction hose and van mounted hose reels, together with a property maintenance company name, website and promotional materials. Contact telephone number 020 8309 6517. Sale price: £18,000 O.N.O. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Airflex Storm 800psi, Solution hose 25ft(high pressure), 25ft x 1.5" vacuum hose with 1.5" cuff fitted at each end, Westpak 4" stainless steel hand/detailer tool with splash guard, 6" stair tool, Upholstery Pro Sapphire Hand Tool, HOST Reliant agitator, Sebo BS36 upright vacuum cleaner, Dri-Eaz Air Mover Sahara E 3 speed, Magma heater 1313, Assorted horse hair brushes, Furniture Foam Snap Blocks x 360, Orion 6L Sprayer with nozzle set, 10 Litre Bucket x 2, Carpet Sliders x 8, pH Test Paper, Corner guard, Hose hook, Pumptec Powersprayer BOM, Mesh hose bag. Assorted cleaning chemicals - some opened. Bereavement forces sale. Cost: £4500 ONO (Bought as new in 2013 for £7500). All items used a maximum of 5 times so in 'as new' condition. Please contact Jamie Edmonds at: Jledmunds@hotmail.co.uk. Tel: 07795546037. Items located in North Cornwall. WHOLE ROOM DRYER 360 degrees air mover, ex company stock used for 18 months only (Truvox) - Cost new: £500. Selling cost: £150. Contact: 02380 898212.
NCCA Corporate Members MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 3 Ozone plates 4'' x 6'' to fit Jetazone 600 ozone generator - £15.00 for the 3, plus £5.00 p & p. Please phone Pete Collins on 07885 804560. MACHINERY FOR SALE CFR Paramount 1000 PSI machine - delivering 1000 pressure per square inch. 95 litre recycling tank, great for commercial and domestic work £600.00 o.n.o. Contact davidkendall40@aol.com for further information or phone David on 07768 667824 or 01277 824546. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - IDEAL FOR NEW BUSINESS Everything you need to start carpet cleaning, including: Ashbys Ninja adjustable up to 400psi with Dry Cleaning Functionality built in, 2 x25m vacuum hoses, 1 x silencer hose, 1 x wand, 1 x upholstery tool, 1 x dry cleaning solvent tool. Sebo Duo agitator. Sebo Vacuum BS36. 1.5hp blower dryer. Truvox high speed buffer. Prochem Stain Removal kit. 2 x 6 litres pressure sprayers. 1 x 1 litre upholstery/spot sprayer. 1 x vinyl mat for Ninja and 1 terrapaulin sheet. Huge array of chemicals including: Prochem Power Burst, Defoamer, Prochem Pre Spray Gold, Prochem Natural Carpet Cleaner, Ashby's supreme Anti Grease, Prochem Browning prescription, Prochem Fabric and Fibre Rinse, Ashby's Extra Fresh, Prochem Odour Fresh. Box of other bits including: shoe covers, brushes, polystyrene pads, measuring jugs, dry compound. All in excellent condition. Selling as my second business is consuming all of my time. Selling for £1950. Contact Richard on 07903 841534. VAN & TRUCK MOUNT + EQUIPMENT VAN: Fiat Ducato 35 Multijet LWB / Only 3,200 Miles / Taxed April 2015 / Ply Lined / Linex Coated / Shelving. TRUCK MOUNT: Phoenix 570i / Only 91 Hours / LPG Gas Conversion / All Tanks Hoses & Reels / Water Softener/Filter. EQUIPMENT: Evolution Wand / Pre Sprayer / Carpet Rack / Stair Tool / Upholstery Tool / Ramp / Von Schrader Esprit Dry Cleaner. Genuine enquiries only please. Mobile: 07775507227. Email: re_nulife@btinternet.com
+ Allied Insurance Services Ltd: 0844 8156211 (I) + Alltec Network: 01763 208222 (C/M/F/T) + Amtech UK: 01444 232211 (C/M) + Ashby's Cleaning Equipment: 01795 436999 (C/M/E) + Asset Finance Solutions UK Ltd: 01254 584404 (FI) + Bio Productions Ltd (inc. Stapro): 01444 244000 (C) + Camberford Law (insurance brokers): 0208 315 5000 (I) + Chemdry Franchising Ltd: 01482 872770 (C/M/Fr) + Chemspec Europe Ltd: 01274 597333 (C/M/T/D/F) + Cleanerswarehouse Ltd: 01772 434333 (T/C/R/M) + Cleaning Systems UK: 01334 656787 (C/M/T/F) + Cleansmart Ltd: 0115 8240034 (T/C/R/M/K) + Cleantec Innovation Ltd: 0870 733 7733 (T/C/W/M) + Columbus Cleaning Machines Ltd: 01772 426527 (M) + Crisp & Brite: 01509 881137 (C/M) + Dri-Eaz Products Ltd: 01908 611211 (C/M/T) + Dry Fusion UK Ltd: 01772 433711 (C/M/T/W/Fr) + Get Booked Up Software: 01405 813665 + Gleaming Insurance (insurance brokers): 0845 4740068 (I) + Hi-Tec Cleaning Group: 02866 341416 (C/E/F/M/T) + Host Von Schrader Ltd: 0151 347 1900 (M/C) + Hydro Dynamix: 01622 664993 (Fr)T) + Mailboxes Etc: 01628 633336 + McGregor Lloyd (insurance brokers): 0121 706 0616 (I) + NSL Restormate: 01670 590099: (M/C/Tr) + Nu Life Stone Care Ltd: 0161 480 7284 (M/C) + Oates Laboratories (Europe): 01772 433711 (C) + Prochem Europe Ltd: 0208 974 1515 (C/F/M/T) + Rainbow International: 01623 422488 (M/C/Fr) + Restoration Express: 01252 726106 (M/C/T/A) + Robert Saunders Marketing Mentor: 08450 537129 (K) + Sebo UK Ltd: 01494 465533 (M)
The Association advises that all goods are checked to be in a satisfactory condition, and comply to electrical and health and safety standards, etc. It is recommended that equipment serial numbers should be checked to ensure the seller is the legitimate owner. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability arising from any transaction or dispute between the buyer and seller.
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+ ServiceMaster Ltd: 0116 275 9000 (M/C/Fr) + Stainshield Ltd: 01372 841467 © + Textile Cleaning Solutions: 01934 521155 (M/C) + The Big Clean: 0208 3934778 (M,C,W,K) + The Ultimate Floor Sanding Co.: 00353 91846488 (M/C/Fr) + The WoolSafe Organisation: 01943 850817 + Worldwide Cleaning Support: 01279 422220 (C/M) C - Chemicals / M - Machinery / W - Wholesalers / Fr - Franchises / I - Insurance / K - Marketing / T - Technical Services / F - Fire Retardents / A - Auxiliary Services (Restoration Cleaners) / E Supply/Repair of Curtains and Blinds / Fi - Finance / Tr - Training.
Going Going - Gone! BEFORE
Say e dby o g o ains! t to s
AFTER
Dye Gone offers a unique new package and application device to remove the severest of dye stains including: coffee, tea, wine, hair dyes, paints, candle colours etc. No need to mix - just spray - wait and the stain is gone.* *pre-test carefully and rinse out after stain is removed pet with cold water. Car ers
Call in for a coffee with us at the Carpet Cleaners Carnival in September. We’ll be on stand number four. See you there!
n clea ival n car 14 20
Chemspec Europe, Tong Park, Otley Road, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QD. Tel: 01274 597333 Fax: 01274 597444 E-mail: info@chemspec-europe.com Website: www.chemspec-europe.com